The 5 Best Smartphones for Graphic Designers in 2024 (Camera Quality and Color Accuracy)

While most of us don’t really care about our phone specs, the case is never the same with graphic designers. For them, a good smartphone is a staple especially one with a large screen as it can help boost their productivity while on the move.

Similarly, an amazing camera can allow them to take good, high-quality shots while they are traveling for inspiration that can be used in their graphic design work.

Today, smartphones have 4K video as standard which means they are also able to shoot pro-quality videos that don’t require lots of setups. With all these things in mind, what therefore are some of the best smartphones for graphic designers and creative professionals available in the market today?

Our Recommendations

• Samsung Galaxy S8+ – Best Overall
• Google Pixel 2 XL – Best For Home Decor
• The Huawei P10 Plus – Best In Innovation and Quality
• Apple iPhone 13 – Best In Offering Varied Print Services
• Sony Xperia XZ Premium – Best In Customer Service

1. Samsung Galaxy S8+

Introduction

Operating on Android 7 and only weighing 155g, the Samsung Galaxy S8+ is definitely a good phone choice for any graphic designer out there looking for a quality phone. It definitely is a good launch for Samsung after the whole Note 7 debacle.

Pros

The Samsung S8+ screen is everything making it a great phone for a graphic designer. The smartphone has an infinite display that is well curved around the phone’s edge with a resolution of 2960 by 1440 pixels. The rear camera contains a 12-megapixel sensor while the front camera has an 8-megapixel sensor.

The Samsung S8+ is all screen and has no home button. It also has three different ways you can lock your phone ensuring maximum security for your phone. These include an IRIS unlock, fingerprint sensor and face unlock.

The smartphone can also be transformed into a desktop PC by use of the DeX dock and is waterproof.

Cons

The phone’s biometrics can be irritating.

2. Google Pixel 2 XL

Introduction

If you are looking for a super-fast smartphone – which most graphic designers are always looking for anyway – then you should consider getting the Google Pixel 2 XL. It is a tweaked version of Google’s Android O that runs on the Pixel 2 XL.

Pros

One key thing about the phone as stated is that it’s fast making it ideal for when you need to capture a moment. Whether you are using the fingerprint sensor to unlock the phone or are simply launching the camera. The phone also comes with a Google Assistant that can help you with contextual questions.

The smartphone has a 6-inch screen that has a screen resolution of 1440 by 2560 pixels that is both sharp and bright. The 12.2-megapixel rear camera gives high-quality photos with natural colors and sharp details. Additionally, the 4K allows you to shoot videos as well.

Cons

The phone is expensive and lacks a 3.5mm headphone port.

3. The Huawei P10 Plus

Introduction

Over the years the Huawei company has upped their Android smartphone game with the latest addition being the Huawei P10 Plus that has a QHD screen that is 5.5 inches. The Huawei P10 Plus comes with a dual Leica camera setup.

Pros

Its dual Leica camera setup makes the phone even more interesting as its two cameras and sensors. One camera is for color while the other is for monochrome shots. You are able to flick between the two of them using the software of the camera.

The monochrome camera has a 20-megapixel sensor while the normal color camera is 12-megapixels. The camera app gives graphic designers a wide array of aperture mode as well as the ability to shoot in 4K. The camera app has some exciting stuff that is enough to make this phone the best thing that a creative professional can own.

It comes in three different colors giving you the freedom of choosing the color you prefer.

Cons

It is not waterproof and has a poorly designed navigation key.

4. Apple iPhone 13

Introduction

Is there really anything that we will say about an iPhone that you already don’t know of? Over the years, Apple has transformed the smartphone industry and continues to do even with the release of the iPhone 13 even though it looks pretty much like its predecessors.

Pros

Its A15 processor makes it a performance heavyweight. Plus, the XDR display gives users perfect viewing – feature graphic designers will appreciate as they are constantly looking for beauty in the details. Besides doing design work, the iPhone 13 is the ideal device for playing games and running design-related apps. Creatives will have a field day with this iPhone. They also have the freedom to choose from various variants such as the iPhone 13 Mini, the iPhone 13 Pro, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Cons

Be prepared for some unexpected characteristics such as the absence of a charger and the fact that this iPhone version is somewhat similar in design to the previous iPhone 12.

5. Sony Xperia XZ Premium

Introduction

While most people think the 4K screen is everything in this smartphone, it really isn’t – not to say it is bad – but the overall selling point is the phone’s camera which uses Sony’s Motion Eye.

Pros

The Motion Eye on the XZ Premium smartphone is ideal for graphic designers that tend to shoot a lot using their smartphones. It can shoot super-slow motion videos that are of superb quality. It also has a predictive capture that starts buffering shots a second before one presses the shutter. This then gives you four images to choose from.

It has high-resolution audio that has been built in the smartphone’s sound and has an ergonomic rounded edge.

Cons

The SIM tray can be a bit challenging to use.

Final Thoughts

While all graphic design work involves creativity, a smartphone is a good gadget to have to improve one’s productivity. That said, it’s important that you find a smartphone that suits your need and is able to help you get the best shots of nature or people or any other material that helps get the job done.

You don’t need to purchase an expensive smartphone if it doesn’t meet your needs.